ETHICS AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

Ethics and Accountability in Public Administration

Abstract

Ethics and accountability are two principles that "everyone" affected by public administration wants their public administrators to operate by, yet strangely enough both seem to be difficult to define. Operating from the perspective of a good steward of public resources ensures that public administration operates within the understanding of a strong ethical foundation, and that those serving are fully accountable to those trusting their service. My thesis will answer that question thats seems unanswered. Why are public officials not fully accountable? what can be done about it? How we as new public administrators can challenge the "status quo" and innovate and collaborate to serve those who trust us and depend on us?

Table of Contents

Abstract2

Introduction4

Accountability6

Fairness7

Transparency12

Responsibility15

Efficiency and Effectiveness20

Conflict of Interest23

Conclusion25

End Notes28

References31

Ethics and Accountability in Public Administration

Introduction

In recent years, there has been growing dissatisfaction with the performance of public bureaucracies, especially in developing countries. While a number of factors explain this phenomenon, the one that has attracted much attention in academic and policy circles is the relative lack of accountability within the administrative systems. Though the advanced countries have found innovative ways and means to bolster their accountability and governance, many developing countries continue to grapple with the problem of weak and virtually ineffective accountability systems and, consequently, suffer from an increasing corruption, abuse of power, and unethical behavior on part of their public officials. This, among others, is often attributed to the development failures and other related problems in such societies. Thus, a broad consensus has emerged that a significant improvement in the public accountability system is a must if the objectives of efficient and responsive government are to be materialized.

Generally speaking, accountability means answerability. It refers to holding the public servants responsible for their actions and performance. This is one of the hallmarks of democratic society and good governance. Since democracy essentially means the sovereignty of the people, the holders of public office—be they elected representatives or career civil servants—are to remain accountable to the people for their actions, policies, and performance. Given that a public office is seen as a trust, public officials are required to follow the will of the people and to discharge their responsibilities with the highest degree of honesty, integrity, and efficiency. Of course, the public nature of their employment means that they are to operate within constitutional and legal constrains and abide by a host of administrative norms and standards. An evaluation of whether their actions are within or outside of the bounds of their authority is the referent of idea of public accountability. It is a means to control the behavior of public officials and to check fraud and abuse of power on their part. It also ensures the desired types and levels of performance. In the absence of accountability public bureaucracy is likely to lose its identity of public-ness, surrender its legitimacy, and maybe even relegate itself to the pursuit of private interests.[1] Therefore, accountability is seen as a “driving force that ...